As warmer weather approaches, many Western Australians will spend more time at beaches, rivers, pools, and other waterways. Royal Life Saving Australia’s latest National Drowning Report shows that Western Australia recorded 35 drowning deaths in 2025/26, down from 51 in 2024/25. Although this decrease is encouraging, every drowning death is a preventable tragedy that affects a person, a family, and the wider community.
More than half of drowning deaths occurred during the summer. Beaches were the leading location, and swimming or recreating were common activities before drowning. The Kimberley and Mid-West also remained among the Australian regions with the highest drowning rates per population.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Western Australian data shows that males accounted for 91% of all drowning deaths. People aged 45–54 years were the most affected age group, followed by those aged 65–74 years. In addition, 37% of drowning deaths involved people experiencing greater socioeconomic disadvantage. Understanding these patterns helps families, communities and services target prevention messages where they are needed most.
Prevention Messages
- Choose patrolled beaches whenever possible, swim between the red and yellow flags, and follow local safety signs.
- Actively supervise children around all water, including pools, beaches, rivers, and dams.
- Check water and weather conditions before entering the water.
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs before swimming, boating, fishing, or supervising children near water, and reinforce these risks with others.
- Build swimming, survival, rescue and CPR skills throughout life. Culturally appropriate, community-led water safety programs are essential for reducing risk and improving access to these skills.
- Wear a lifejacket when boating, paddling or using other watercraft.
- Carry appropriate safety and communication equipment when visiting regional or remote locations, where emergency assistance may take longer to arrive.
- People with known health conditions and older adults should seek medical advice where appropriate, swim with others, and choose safer locations with nearby supervision.
Health and community workers can help Western Australians enjoy the water safely and prevent drowning by sharing clear safety messages and linking people to suitable water safety programs.
Read the full report.